Input Button Buffer Structure for Microphone Noise Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Input devices, such as those used for video games, can generate noise due to collisions between input members and other parts, which is particularly problematic when a microphone is included, causing interference with voice data.
Innovation Solution
An input device design featuring an exterior member with an opening, movable input buttons biased by an elastic member, and a buffer member made of a different material with a stopper portion to prevent input buttons from popping out, thereby reducing noise generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If input buttons are made movable for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but noise generation increases due to collisions with exterior members
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer member made of elastic material is positioned between the input button and the exterior member. When the input button is pressed, the buffer member deforms elastically to absorb impact energy, preventing direct collision between the input button and the exterior member. This intermediary element reduces noise generation while preserving the input button's movability and operational feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member is pre-installed in the opening of the exterior member before the input button is assembled. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the elastic buffering capability is already in place to prevent collision noise during subsequent operations, without requiring additional assembly steps or complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If input buttons are prevented from popping out using stopped portions, then reliability is improved, but the risk of collision noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member serves as an intermediary between the stopped portion of the input button and the opening edge of the exterior member. When the input button reaches its limit position, the buffer member absorbs the impact energy, preventing the stopped portion from directly colliding with the exterior member. This maintains reliable retention while eliminating collision noise.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If different materials are used for buffer member, exterior member, and input button, then noise suppression is improved through material damping, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member is made of elastic material specifically at the location where impact absorption is needed (between the input button and exterior member). The exterior member and input button can be made of harder, more durable materials suitable for their respective functions. This localized use of different materials optimizes noise suppression without requiring the entire device to be manufactured with complex multi-material construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The input device employs a composite material structure where the buffer member uses elastic material properties for shock absorption, while the exterior member and input button use structurally sound materials. This combination of different material properties in a composite assembly achieves effective noise suppression while maintaining the structural integrity and operational reliability of the input device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design effectively suppresses noise generation by minimizing collisions and ensuring smooth operation of input buttons, enhancing voice data quality.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that biases the at least one input button toward an initial position of the at least one input button
Implementation Method 2
The buffer member is made of a material different from a material of the exterior member and from a material of the input button and has a stopper portion positioned between an inner edge of the opening of the exterior member and the stopped portion of the input button. With this input device, noise generation can be suppressed.
Data Source
AI summary
Noise is prevented from occurring in voice data acquired by a microphone due to an operation of an input stick. An input device (10) includes an upper cabinet section (41) having an opening formed therein, an input button (35) that is positioned inside the opening and is movable in an upward-downward direction, an elastic member that biases the input button (35) toward an initial position of the input button (35), and a buffer member (37). The input button (35) has a stopped portion (35b, 35c) for preventing the input button (35) from popping out of the opening. The buffer member (37) is made of a material different from a material of the upper cabinet section (41) and from a material of the input button (35) and has a stopper portion (37a, 37b) positioned between an inner edge of the opening of the upper cabinet section (51) and the stopped portion (35b, 35c) of the input button (35).